Connector for use between integrated circuit units and circuit boards

ABSTRACT

An insulating receptacle has an open top and a closed bottom for attachment to one side of a circuit board. Rows of holes in said bottom register with rows of openings through the board. Extending from said holes are rows of square terminal posts forming parts of conductors which within the body are formed as contact clips having spring blades. The clips are located in rows of pockets within the receptacle. The extending posts are for insertion from one side of the board through the openings therein to connect with circuitry on its other side. The posts have appropriate fits in said bottom holes of the receptacle for ease in pushing them into and out of place from the top of the receptacle. The receptacle includes means for partially spreading and pretensioning the blades of the clips when the conductors are inserted. It also has a central catch in its bottom for use with a central releasable latch on a cover. The cover has rows of guiding ports for the reception of rows of pins of integrated circuit units to direct these between the pretensioned blades. The cover has rows of internal lugs movable between the spread blades and into positions as the cover is closed, to engage end parts of the posts thereby positively holding the conductors in the receptacle when the cover is finally latched shut. The ends of the receptacle and cover are constructed to be free of any latching parts.

CONNECTOR FOR-USE BETWEEN INTEGRATED I CIRCUIT UNITS AND CIRCUIT BOARDSThis application is an improvement upon apparatus, such asshown forexample in US. Pat. application Ser; No. 753,287, filed-Aug. I6, 1968,in my name jointly with John M. Pierini and Reidar- G. Larsen,entitledConnector For Use Between An Integrated Circuit And A CircuitPanel.

Saidapplication discloses-a so-called open-entry connector, i.e., onewithout a cover, for use between integrated circuit units andacircuitboard. So-called closed-entryconnectors are also known, i.e., those withcovers, but'they do not have the advantagesof the. improvementsdisclosed herein. The present invention provides an improved,so-called'closedentry, top-loading connector, which also has means fortop unloading. The conductors shown in said application were barbedor'finned to bepositively held in place in holes in the bottom of areceptacle toensure.against'displacement before, during and afterwiringterminal posts of the conductors. This made difficult the;removaland replacement of .damagedconductors. Thus, among other things, thebarbs or fins scarified their containingholes-so that when newconductors were inserted, they were not-as accurately positioned nor asstrongly held as were theoriginal conductors and therefore did notalways function like new. Moreover, removal of conductors forreplacement required. undesirableextraction from the bottom side of theconnector housing.

The present invention provides smooth, nonbarbed terminal postcomponents of the. conductors which have snug frictional fits in theholesthrough which they pass, so that theymay-be conveniently and 'with'a comparatively. small .force inserted I from the top and accuratelyheld in place. They may be easily removed from the top without damage tothe receptacle. Asa.

ends, so that the connector may be made more compactly and consequentlymore connectors carried in less space on a board having continuous rowsof holeslocated at invariable pitch distances therebetween. Bridgingapplication of integratedcircuit units to adjacent connectors is by thismeans also provided for. I I

Referring to the drawings, which are illustrative:

FIG. lis a side elevation of a cover which forms the closedentry part ofthe connector;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a right sideelevation of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5-8 arecrosssections taken on lines 5-5, 6-6, 7-7 and 8-8respectively on FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation of a receptacle in the form of an open-tophousing;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of theinside of the housing of FIG. 9 viewedthrough its open top;

FIG. 11 isa, bottom plan viewof FIG. 9;

FIG. 12'is a right-end elevation of FIG. 9;

FIGS. 13-16 arecrosssectionstaken on lines 13- 13, 14- 14, 15-l5andxI6-I6 respectivelyon FIG. 10;

FIG. 17 is a front elevation, parts being broken away showing anassembled cover and receptacle, the dotted lines illustratingapplication of an. integrated circuit unit;

FIG. 18 is atopplan view of FIG. 17;

FlG.-19 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a right-end. elevation of FIG. 18;

FIG. '21 is a longitudinal. section taken .on line 21-21 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is an ideal section taken on line 22-22 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged face view of a composite removable.

conductor;

FIG. 24 is a leftside view of FIG. 23, partly in section;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view'of a so-called dual in-line pinpackintegrated circuit unit;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary view of acircuit board showing rows of holestherein, and connector-locations by dotted lines;

FIG. 27 is asectional view'illustrating operation of a cover unlatchingtool;

FIG. 28-is an enlarged detail cross section taken on line 28-28 of FIG.13; and

FIG. 29 is an enlarged detail of parts of FIG. 22, parts being brokenaway.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughoutthe several views of thedrawing.

Referring to the drawings in general, a molded cover C constituting acover member of the connector is shown in FIGS. 1-8. It is designed tobe latched with a molded lower receptacle in the form of a housing H,having an open top as shown in FIGS. 9-16. As latched these parts areshown in FIGS. 17-22. Both-parts C and H are composed of material suchasglassflllednylon or the likev havingsuperior electrical insulatingproperties and surfaces which present desired friction. This material isalso somewhat resilient.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 9-16, the receptacle H is in the formof a hollow rectangular housing having sidewalls 1, end walls 3 and abottom wall 5. Without the cover C the housing is open at the top. Inthe bottom wall 5 are two openings 7 extending into two shallow outsiderectangular recesses 9.- The openings-7 are for the reception of holdingscrews; bolts or like fasteners-(not shown). The recesses 9 areforthereception of an adhesive such as epoxy resin or the like(not-shown) for fastening, ifscrews, bolts or rivetsare not used. Thesemeans are for attachment of the housing H to one side. of a circuitboard B FIGS. 22 and 26).

Centrally located between the end walls 3 of the housing l-I (FIGS. 14,16, 19, 21,22 and 27) is a third opening 11 in the bottom wall S'ofrectangular form. Opposite end faces of this opening llare. formed asopposed catch-forming shoulders 13 having inner sloping cam-formingwalls 15 converging downwardly towards the shoulders 13.

Extending through the bottom 5 and just within the sidewalls l are twosidewise rows of holes each generally numbered 17 (FIGS. 11', 13, 1'6,22 and 28). These holes are round (circular) in cross sections towards.their outer ends and of square cross sections towards their inner ends.The outer round'portions are numbered 17-R and the inner square portions17-8. The circles defining the round sections l7-R lie slightly withinthe corners of the square defining the cross sections of 17-8 (FIG. 28).This produces in each hole 17 four thin axialland portions 18 in 17-Ralong which corners of square terminal posts 39 (to be further describedbelow) have a snugsliding frictional force-fit. Nylon or like materialprovides proper conditions for the frictional effect desired along lands18 for smooth and easyinsertion of the square posts 39 -.which' also fitthe'squarehole parts 17-8, without sidewise play. Thus the posts attainand adequately maintain assembled positions from which however they maybe readily removed under moderateaxial force, as well as beinginsertableunder such a moderate force.

The inner square ends 17-8 of the holes 17 terminate inupwardly'flaringside pockets l9locatedjust within the housing sidewallsl. Thecpockets 19"are formed by the inner faces of thesidewalls, taperedcross walls 21 extending inwardly perpendicularly to theside walls, andby'curved flange portions 20 on'theinnermargins ofthe cross walls 21.Extending from sidewalls 1 into the pockets 19 are vertical ribs 23centered in the pockets and terminating at their lower ends at spaces 27above the-squarehole parts 1-7-S (see FIGS. 13, Hand 17).

- The bottoms of the spaces 19 form shoulders or seats 29 above theupper ends of the square openings 17-S.

Each conductor, which is of composite form (as detailed in FIGS. 23v and24), is formed at its upper end by a spring contact clip 33havingstwospring leaves 35 joined at their lower ends by an offset bridge portion37 from which extends an elongate terminal post 39 of square crosssection. Each post PATENIED AUB31 1971 SHEET 2 [IF 9 PATENIEDAUBBI 197!3602875 SHEET 0F 9 FIG. 27

PATENTEU AUB3I I97! SHEET 5 OF 9 PATENTED Ausal I971 SHEET 7 OF 9PATENIEU mm mm SHEET 8 BF 9 F'IG.25

F|G.24 FIG.23

PATENTED mm 1971 SHEET 9 BF 9 CONNECTOR FOR USE BETWEEN INTEGRATEDCIRCUIT UNITS AND CIRCUIT BOARDS This application is an improvement uponapparatus, such as shown for example in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No.753,287, filed Aug. 16, 1968, in may name jointly with John M. Pieriniand Reidar G. Larsen, entitled Connector For Use Between AnIntegrated-Circuit And A Circuit Panel.

Said application discloses a so-called open-entry connector, i.e., onewithout a cover, for use between integrated circuit units and a circuitboard. So-called integrated circuit units and a circuit board. So-calledclosed-entry connectors are also known, i.e., those with covers, butthey do not have the advantages of the improvements disclosed herein.The present invention provides an improved, so-called closed-entry, toploading connector, which also has means for top unloading. Theconductors shown in said application'were barbed or finned to bepositively held in place in holes in the bottom of a receptacle toensure against displacement before, during and after wiring terminalposts of the conductors. This made dif-, ficult the removal andreplacement of damaged conductors. Thus among other things, the barbs orfins scarified their containing holes so that when new conductors wereinserted, they were not as accurately positioned nor as strongly held aswere the original conductors and therefore did not always function likenew. Moreover, removal of conductors for replacement requiredundesirable extraction from the bottom side of the connector housing.

The present invention provides smooth, nonbarbed terminal postcomponents of the conductors which have snug frictional fits in theholes through which they pass, so that they may be conveniently and witha comparatively small force inserted from the top and accurately held inplace. They may be easily removed from the top without damage to thereceptacle. As a result it replaced conductor becomes held like new,rather than less accurately and less securely as was the caseheretofore. To provide for a more positive anchoring of the conductorsagainst movements while being wired when in place on a board, I providecentral positive latching means between the cover and the housing. Thelatching means is releasable and located between the ends of theconnector, rather than at its ends, so that the connector may be mademore compactly and consequently more connectors carried in less space ona board having continuous rows of holes located at invariable pitchdistances therebetween. Bridging application of integrated circuit unitsto adjacent connectors is by this means also provided for.

Referring to the drawings, which are illustrative:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a cover which forms the closedentry partof the connector;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of FIG. I;

' FIG. 4 is a right side elevation of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5-8 are cross sections taken on lines ,55, 6-6, 7-7 and 8-8respectively on FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation of a receptacle in the form of an open-tophousing;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the inside of the housing of FIG. 9

1 viewed through its open top;

FIG. I I is a bottom plan view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a right-end elevation of FIG. 9;

FIGS. l3-l6 are cross sections taken on lines l313, 14- 4. 15l5 and16-16 respectively on FIG. 10;

FIG. 17 is a front elevation, parts being broken away showing anassembled cover and receptacle, the dotted lines illustratingapplication of an integrated circuit unit;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view ofFIG. 17;

FIG.'19 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a right-end elevation of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal section taken on line 21-21 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is an ideal section taken on line 2222 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged face view of a composite removable conductor;

FIG. 24 is a left side view of FIG. 23, partly in section;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of a so-called dual in-line pinpackintegrated circuit unit;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary view of a circuit board showing rows of holestherein, and connector locations by dotted lines;

FIG. 27 is a sectional view illustrating operation of a cover unlatchingtool;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged detail cross section taken on line 2828 ofFIG.13; and

FIG. 29 is an enlarged detail of parts of FIG. 22, parts being brokenaway.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring to the drawings in general, a molded cover C constituting acover member of the connector is shown in FIGS. l-8. It is designed tobe latched with a molded lower receptacle in the form of a housing I-I,having an open top as shown in FIGS. 9-16. As latched these parts areshown in FIGS. 17-22. Both parts C and H are composed of material suchas glassfilled nylon or the like having superior electrical insulatingproperties and surfaces which present desired friction. This material isalso somewhat resilient.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 9-16, the receptacle H is in the formof a hollow rectangular housing having sidewalls 1, end walls 3 and abottom wall 5. Without the cover C the housing is open at the top. Inthe bottom wall 5 are two openings 7 extending into two shallow outsiderectangular recesses 9. The openings 7 are for the reception of holdingscrews, bolts or like fasteners (not shown). The recesses 9 are for thereception of an adhesive such as epoxy resin or the like (not shown) forfastening, if screws, bolts or rivets are not used. These means are forattachment of the housing H to one side ofa circuit board B (FIGS. 22and 26).

Centrally located between the end walls 3 of the housing H (FIGS. 14,16,19, 21, 22 and 27) is a third opening 11 in the bottom wall 5 ofrectangular form. Opposite end faces of this opening 11 are formed asopposed catch-forming shoulders 13 having inner sloping cam-formingwalls 15 converging downwardly towards the shoulders 13.

Extending through the bottom 5 and just within the sidewalls l are twosidewise rows of holes each generally numbered 17 (FIGS. 11, 13, 16,22and 28). These holes are round (circular) in cross sections towardstheir outer ends and of square cross sections towards their inner ends.The outer round portions are numbered 17-R and the inner square portions17-S. The circles defining the round sections 17-R lie slightly withinthe corners of the square defining the cross sections of l7-S (FIG. 28).This produces in each hole 17 four thin axial land portions 18 in l7-Ralong which corners of square terminal posts 39 (to be further describedbelow) have a snug sliding frictional forcefit. Nylon or like materialprovides proper conditions for the frictional effect desired along lands18 for smooth and easy insertion of the square posts 39 which also fitthe square hole parts 17-S, without sidewise play. Thus the posts attainand adequately maintain assembled positions from which however they maybe readily removed under moderate axial force, as well as beinginsertable under such a moderate axial force.

The inner square ends l7-S of the holes 17 terminate in upwardly flaringside pockets 19 located just within the housing sidewalls l. The pockets19 are formed by the inner faces of the sidewalls, tapered cross walls21 extending inwardly perpendicularly to the sidewalls, and by curvedflange portions 20 on the inner margins of the cross walls 21. Extendingfrom sidewalls 1 into the pockets 19 are vertical ribs 23 centered inthe pockets and terminating at their lower ends at spaces 27 above thesquare hole parts l7-S (see FIGS. 13, 14 and 17). The bottoms of thespaces 19 form shoulders or seats 29 above the upper ends of the squareopenings 17-S.

Each conductor, which is of composite form (as detailed in FIGS. 23 and24), is formed at its upper end by a spring contact clip 33 having twospring leaves 35 joined at their lower ends by an offset bridge portion37 from which extends an elongate terminal post 39 of square crosssection. Each post 39 is smooth and its end has a dull point 41. Theoffset bridge 37 is connected on one side of an end face 43 of the post39. As shown in FIG. 17 each contact clip 33 fits into aside pocket 19,with the corresponding rib 23 of the pocket having a position betweenthe leaves 35 of the clip to spread it apart and pretension it somewhat.The partial spreading makes it easy for entry of integrated circuit pinsof an integrated circuit unit and to obtain reliably pressured contactstherewith after entry. FIG. 25 shows such a unit U with its pins P. FIG.17 is dotted lines shows the position of an inserted pin P which willhave the effect of further spreading the leaves 35 of the clip 33 fromtheir initial pretensioned position shown. Each pin P takes up aposition inside of the adjacent rib 23. In FIG. 17 the positions of theleaves 35 are shown as pretensioned by a rib 23 but their flnal springpositions as determined by an introduced pin P are not shown, to avoidconfusion in the draw- Engagement by each conductor bridge portion 37with a seat 29 accurately positions each whole composite conductor(33,39) upon being pushed into place from the top of the housing H whenopen. This occurs against the friction above mentioned. Any conductorpost 39 may also be easily removed from the top of housing H when open,for replacement by a new conductor when needed without damage to anyparts of the holes 17 in the bottom of the housing H. Only modest forcesto overcome the friction are required for removals and insertions. Eachreplaced conductor (33,39) is thus held like new. This constitutes animportant advantage of the invention. The square forms of the posts 39located in the square parts l7-S of holes 17 properly angularly orientthe clips 33 in their pockets 19. The contacts of their corners with thelands I8 determine the desired amount of friction. Lands 18 areresilient.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1-8, showing the cover C, ithas a comparatively flat top 45 along two sides of which are rows oflead-in ports 47 exteriorly beveled as at 48. Within these rows of portsthe cover has inside downwardly extending parallel walls 49 (FIG. 8)which at intervals are provided with thin ribs 51 extending outwardly.At their lower ends the ribs 51 are terminated by outwardly extendingflat lugs 53 braced by ribs 51 and bevels 55. The lugs 53 are centrallydisposed under the beveled ports 47 (FIG 2). Ribs 51 do not extendbetween the leaves or blades 35 when the cover C is applied to housingH. When, as shown in FIG. 22, the cover C is applied to the housing Hcontaining conductors (33,39) the lugs 53 pass down between the leaves35 of the spring clips 33 to engage the upper offset end faces 43 of theconductor posts 39. Thus when the cover C is applied to the housing Hall of the composite conductors (33,39) are held in place by the lugs 53on the offset end faces 43 of the posts 39. The bridge portions 37 reston the seats 29 and the blades 35 of their spring clips 33 are heldapart somewhat in tension by the ribs The cover C also has two topopenings 59 from between which extend prongs 61 of a latch 63. Theseprongs 61 are resilient and extend through a bottom opening 64. Theyhave lower outwardly directed claws 65 formed to ride down the camsurfaces and latch under the catch parts 13 of the housing H when thecover C is applied (FIG. 21). Thus by applying the cover C to thehousing H, after the conductors (33,39) are in place the cover becomesautomatically positively latched shut. Then through holding action ofits lugs 53 on the end faces 43 of posts 39, the conductors (33,39) arepositively held against any accidental displacement such as might occurupon wiring then by wire spinner tools. Such tools sometimes involve theapplication of some axial force to a post being wired.

One end ofthe cover C has a groove 67 (FIG. 2) for engage ment with aninner rib 25 in one end of the housing H (FIG. 10) so that the cover canbe applied to the housing in only one way. Additional openings 69through the top of the cover C are formed in alignment with the fastenerholes 7 in the bottom 5 of the housing H so that fastening screws or thelike in the holes 7 of housing H may be reached by a screwdriver or thelike.

FIGS. 1'7-22 show the housing H with the composite conductors (33,39) inplace, and the cover C applied and latched shut. The cover C whenlatched shut provides the desired closed-entry arrangement so that theleaves 35 of the spring clips 33 just under the inlet openings 47 (FIG.17) are not exposed but nevertheless can receive the pins P of so-calleddual in-line integrated circuit units 73 such as shown in FIG. 25. FIG.20 illustrates how the protruding conductor posts 39 of the conductorshave been inserted through receiving openings 75 in the circuit board B(see also FIG. 26) after which the bottom 5 of the (usually H issuitably fastened in the board B, as above described. HOles 79 in theboard B are for registration with the holes 7 in the bottom 5 of thehousing H. The posts 39 then extend from the back or wire side of theboard B in position for wiring of the posts 39 (see FIG. 20). The wiringis often done by spinner tools which sometimes apply axial force tendingto displace the conductors. By means of the invention such displacementis positively prevented by the latching arrangement between the cover Cand the housing H and the contacts between its lugs 53 and the inner endfaces 43 of the posts 39. However when the cover is unlatched conductorsmay easily be removed and replaced from the top of the open housing Heven when left attached on the front of the circuit board B. Thus if, assometimes occurs, one or more of the composite conductors (33,39) uponfinal electrical board tests is found to be broken or otherwisedefective &usually in the region of the clip), all that is required isto unlatch and remove the cover C from the housing H which exposes thedamaged conductor (33,39). The damaged conductor parts may then bepulled or pushed out from the top of the housing against the lightfriction holding force and replaced by a new conductor. If breakage isbelow the bridge 37, terminal post parts 39 may be oppositely withdrawnfrom the bottom of housing H, while the separated clip part may beremoved through the open top. As above made clear, this all may beaccomplished without scarification or other damage to he hole 17 so thata replaced conductor is held in place by the lands 18, as good as new,rather than less securely as heretofore. Angular orientation is easybecause of the square portions l7-S of holes 17. The lands is beingresilient and not scored by successive removals and reinsertions of thesquare posts 39 hold post replacements as accurately as an originalpost.

A suitable tool for disconnecting the claws 65 of prings 61 from thecatches 13 is shown in FIG. 27. This comprises two flexible jaws orpincers 83 held in a chuck 81. Members 83 have inwardly directed ends 85for insertion through the openings 59. By pushing down on the chuck thepincer ends 85 ride down the cam walls 15 and constrict the prings 61 sothat the claws 65 are squeezed and withdrawn inwardly from the catches13. Then by pulling up the chuck 81 the cover C is easily removed toexpose the now only frictionally held conductors (33,39) for easyremoval and replacement, as desired.

FIG. 26 illustrates the advantage of making the ends of the housing Hand cover C flat and free of latch parts by placing the latter centrallyin the connector. By this means the rows of holes 75 in the board B maybe arranged with constant pitch D between all holes in a row. Then asindicated by the dotted lines, the simple rectangular shapes of adjacentconnectors may be closely abutted within a few thousandths of an inchclearance 97 between them, without loss of the use of any holes forreceiving terminal posts 39. As a result more connectors may beaccommodated on a given size of board, or smaller boards used for agiven number of connectors. Moreover, an integrated circuit unit such asU may if desired be applied with sets of its pins inserted in adjacentconnectors so that the unit spans them as connected. Sets of holes 7 inthe housing H, 69 in the cover and 79 in the board B, register toreceive fasteners when an adhesive in pockets 19 is not used.

While square cross sections are preferred for posts 39 and hole portions17-S, other polygonal cross sections may be used to provide lands suchas 18, as for example, rectangular or hexagonal sections.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the gist of the invention, it is intended that all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsshall be interpreted as illustrative.

What is claimed is:

1. Electrical connector means for a plurality of circuit pins comprisingan electrically insulating receptacle of substantially rectangular formhaving end and sidewalls, said receptacle having an open to and a bottomand having a plurality of holes in said bottom arranged in two rowsadjacent to respective sidewalls,

a plurality of removable conductors each including a terminal post and acontact clip, said conductors being arranged with said post having snugslidable fits in said respective holes for accurately locating andholding said conductor clips in the receptacle, to position said poststo form terminals extending from said bottom and to allow for convenientremoval of the conductors from the receptacle without damage thereto,

an electrically insulating cover of substantially rectangular form forclosing said open top, said cover having a plurality of portsregistrable with respective conductor clips for receiving and guidingsaid circuit pins into respective clips when the cover is closed'andsaid conductor clips are positioned in the receptacle with the conductorpost extending from said respective holes,

said cover having holding means carried by the cover engaging saidconductors to hold said conductors in position within said receptaclewhen the cover is closed, and a substantially positive releasable latchmeans operative between the receptacle and cover when closed, wherebythe conductor is substantially more strongly held in the receptacle bysaid holding means when the cover is shut than by said snug fit when thecover is open, said latch means comprising parts in the cover andreceptacle respectively and located substantially centrally between saidend walls of the receptacle when the cover is closed,

the terminal posts being of substantially polygonal cross section havingcorner portions,

said holes having an inner portion of substantially the same polygonalcross section and having corners,

said holes having an outer portion of rounded cross section arranged tolie slightly within said corners of the polygonal cross section of saidhole, whereby axially extending portions of the outer part of the holeform fictional holding lands engageable by the corner potion of saidpost introduced through the hole by way of its polygonal end.

2. A connector according to claim 1 wherein said polygonal crosssections are rectangular.

3. A connector according to claim 1 wherein said polygonal crosssections are square,

4. A connector according to claim 1 wherein the bottom of the receptacleand the cover include registered holes for application and removal offasteners.

5. A connector according to claim 4 including pocket means on theoutside of said bottom for the reception of adhesive fastening means.

1. Electrical connector means for a plurality of circuit pins comprisingan electrically insulating receptacle of substantially rectangular formhaving end and sidewalls, said receptacle having an open to and a bottomand having a plurality oF holes in said bottom arranged in two rowsadjacent to respective sidewalls, a plurality of removable conductorseach including a terminal post and a contact clip, said conductors beingarranged with said post having snug slidable fits in said respectiveholes for accurately locating and holding said conductor clips in thereceptacle, to position said posts to form terminals extending from saidbottom and to allow for convenient removal of the conductors from thereceptacle without damage thereto, an electrically insulating cover ofsubstantially rectangular form for closing said open top, said coverhaving a plurality of ports registrable with respective conductor clipsfor receiving and guiding said circuit pins into respective clips whenthe cover is closed and said conductor clips are positioned in thereceptacle with the conductor post extending from said respective holes,said cover having holding means carried by the cover engaging saidconductors to hold said conductors in position within said receptaclewhen the cover is closed, and a substantially positive releasable latchmeans operative between the receptacle and cover when closed, wherebythe conductor is substantially more strongly held in the receptacle bysaid holding means when the cover is shut than by said snug fit when thecover is open, said latch means comprising parts in the cover andreceptacle respectively and located substantially centrally between saidend walls of the receptacle when the cover is closed, the terminal postsbeing of substantially polygonal cross section having corner portions,said holes having an inner portion of substantially the same polygonalcross section and having corners, said holes having an outer portion ofrounded cross section arranged to lie slightly within said corners ofthe polygonal cross section of said hole, whereby axially extendingportions of the outer part of the hole form fictional holding landsengageable by the corner potion of said post introduced through the holeby way of its polygonal end.
 2. A connector according to claim 1 whereinsaid polygonal cross sections are rectangular.
 3. A connector accordingto claim 1 wherein said polygonal cross sections are square.
 4. Aconnector according to claim 1 wherein the bottom of the receptacle andthe cover include registered holes for application and removal offasteners.
 5. A connector according to claim 4 including pocket means onthe outside of said bottom for the reception of adhesive fasteningmeans.